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Synopsis: When former KGB agent Dimitri Orlov orchestrates an alliance between two world powers bent on domination, he unleashes a powerful chain of events that will rock the Western World. The agenda? Eliminate the President of the United States and seize classified military weaponry capable of shifting the balance of world power. But before this nefarious scheme can reach fruition, Craig Page is on the scene, joined by companion Elizabeth Crowder, ready to confront a painful past and the enemies that helped create it. But can the indomitable Director of Counterterrorism emerge victorious? Finding himself facing an old enemy unexpectedly catapulted into a lethal position of power, Craig is pushed to the limit in an effort to foil his enemy's deadly plans and keep potentially devastating military technology out of the hands of those prepared to destroy the world as he knows it. Filled with thrills, twists, and danger, The Russian Endgame showcases best-selling author Allan Topol's talent for delivering electrifying, gripping expeditions into the world of international intrigue.

Author Bio: Allan Topol is the author of eight novels of international intrigue. Two of them, SPY DANCE and ENEMY MY ENEMY, were national best sellers. His novels have been translated into Japanese, Portuguese and Hebrew. One was optioned and three are in development for movies. His new novel, THE RUSSIAN ENDGAME, is the third in a trilogy of Craig Page novels, following the successful CHINA GAMBIT and SPANISH REVENGE.

In addition to his fiction writing, Allan Topol co-authored a two-volume legal treatise entitled SUPERFUND LAW AND PROCEDURE. He wrote a weekly column for Military.com and has published articles in numerous periodicals including the New York Times, Washington Post, and Yale Law Journal.

Interview: Q. Please tell us about the inspiration for your current release.

Although ‘The Russian Endgame’, like my prior novels, is a fast moving page turner with action and suspense, it also has a serious background issue. That issue provided the inspiration for the novel. It concerns the growth of a militarily powerful resurgent Russia and the possibility of Russia joining forces with China against the United States. Thinking about this issue inspired me to write ‘The Russian Endgame’.

Q. How did writing this book affect you?

I was sorry to see recent events unfolding concerning the United States and Russia. Specifically, Obama’s cancellation of the summit and Russia’s grant of asylum to Snowden.

Q. What is the hardest part of writing for you?

I enjoy very much writing the first draft, which I write as quickly as possible in a white heat, and the story flows from my mind just as quickly as I can capture the words on the page. That act of creation is enormously enjoyable. Once I have that first draft I have to go back and revise each scene again and again to make certain that there is suspense in each scene and that the details about the character and the setting have been fleshed out. These endless rounds of revision are time consuming and difficult. Not as much fun as writing the first draft.

Q. What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

I can write anywhere. On an airplane, in a restaurant or café, in a shopping mall. I am able to tune out noise and concentrate on my writing. As a result, I do write in all of these different places.

Q. Do you plan any subsequent books?

My next book following ‘The Russian Endgame’ will be published in April 2014. It will be another fast moving thriller. This time the background issue will involve Argentina and some of the recent history of that country.

Q. What are you currently reading?

I am currently reading books for research including history and current developments which I will use in future novels. I am also reading extensively about China and Russia. In addition, I am reading about Italy where I am planning to place my novel which follows the Argentine novel.

Q. Please tell us your latest news (book-related or not!).

Three of my prior books, ‘A Woman of Valor’, ‘Spy Dance’, and ‘Dark Ambition’, are in development for possible feature films in Hollywood.

Q. Please tell us a fun-fact about yourself!

I enjoy collecting and drinking wine, particularly Italians from Tuscany and Piedmont as well as burgundies. I also enjoy playing tennis, although in the heat of the Washington, D.C. summer that can be a challenge.

Q. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I hope that you will come away from ‘The Russian Endgame’ and my other novels learning something about a geopolitical issue at the same time that you enjoyed turning pages and the excitement of the book. I hope that I am able to keep you up late at night reading.